Privacy Policy

Who we are & scope

The Goal Times ("we", "us") is a global sports publication operated by an independent freelancer. This Policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your choices.

It applies to our website and related pages where it is posted (the "Services").

We publish sports news and analysis. We also display content powered by news/data APIs and third-party embeds (e.g., videos, social posts). See Section 6.

What data we collect

Why we use your data (legal bases)

• Operate & secure the site (logs, performance, fraud/abuse prevention) — legitimate interests.
• Respond to your requests (contact/email) — legitimate interests/contractual necessity.
• Analytics & measurement (understand what content works) — consent where required; otherwise legitimate interests in aggregated form.
• Advertising (show ads, cap frequency, measure) — consent in EEA/UK/CH for personalized ads; some limited non-personalized functions may still use cookies for fraud prevention and reporting.
• Legal compliance (record of consents, security events) — legal obligation/legitimate interests.

How long we keep it (retention)

• Contact inquiries: 12 months after last interaction.
• Web server logs: 90 days (unless needed longer for security).
• Consent records: up to 13 months (or as required by law).
• Newsletter data: until you unsubscribe (we then remove or anonymize within a reasonable time).

Cookies, analytics & ads

We use cookies for: essential (site operation), analytics, and advertising.

In EEA/UK/CH, we use a Google-certified CMP to collect your choices; you can revisit them anytime via Cookie Settings in the footer.

If you choose non-personalized ads, you may still see ads; they just won't be tailored using your personal data.

We may use analytics tools (e.g., privacy-minded page metrics or GA4); where possible, we aggregate/limit data.

Content & data from news/data APIs

We use external news/data APIs to fetch content information (e.g., headlines, summaries, scores, fixtures, thumbnails) for editorial use.

Your personal data is not sent to these content APIs just by browsing our pages. When you click an outbound link to a source article, your browser connects directly to that external website (their privacy terms apply).

Some pages may embed third-party media (e.g., video players, social posts). These services can receive your IP address, user agent, and cookie identifiers when content loads from their domains. Please review their policies where applicable.

Sharing your data

We share personal data only as needed with:

• Service providers (hosting/CDN, analytics, anti-spam, email delivery, advertising platforms) under contracts that protect your data.
• Ad partners to deliver and measure ads (subject to your consent where required).
• Authorities when legally required, or to protect our rights or users.

We do not sell your personal information.

International transfers

Our providers may process data in other countries. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards (e.g., contractual protections). We aim to keep advertising/analytics respectful of your regional choices via the CMP.

Your choices & rights

• Consent choices: manage cookies/ad preferences via Cookie Settings (footer).
• Newsletters: unsubscribe anytime via the link in our emails.
• Access/Rectify/Delete/Restrict/Object/Portability: email contact@thegoaltimes.com. Your rights depend on where you live (e.g., GDPR in EEA/UK). We will respond within 30 days where legally required.
• California/US (if applicable): you may have additional rights under state privacy laws. Contact us to exercise them.

Children

Our Services are not directed to children under 13 (or the relevant local age). We do not knowingly collect their data.

Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures (HTTPS, access controls, minimization). No method is 100% secure; please use unique, strong credentials for any services you use to contact us.

Updates to this Policy

We may update this Policy to reflect changes to our Services or laws. We will post the new version with a revised Effective date.

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